The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is committed to moving forward with the South Coast Rail
Project (SCR) and to doing so in a manner that provides long-awaited commuter rail service for the
South Coast region as soon as possible. For this reason, MassDOT is proceeding with permitting and
early actions on the Stoughton Electric project already reviewed by MEPA while also proposing to
adopt a phased approach that could provide an interim service years before revenue service is possible
on the final phase project. This Notice of Project Change is being filed in order to advance the option
of an interim service serving both New Bedford and Fall River using the existing Middleboro/Lakeville
commuter rail line while at the same time work proceeds to design, permit and fund the Stoughton
Electric final phase project (including, particularly, the so-called Southern Triangle). Phase 1 would
provide service from New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton to Boston using the Middleborough
Secondary line and the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Commuter Rail line. Portions of the Phase 1
Project have not previously been reviewed under MEPA (Figure 1). The improvements associated with
Phase 1 service may result in wetland impacts that require a Variance under the Wetlands Protection
Act, therefore, MassDOT anticipates that the project may be categorically required to prepare a
Supplement Environmental Impact Report.
The South Coast Rail (SCR) Project is an initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
(MassDOT), implemented through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
MassDOT’s stated purpose of the Project is to more fully meet the existing and future demand for
public transportation between Fall River/New Bedford and Boston, Massachusetts, and to enhance
regional mobility while supporting smart growth planning and development strategies in the affected
communities. The SCR Project will ultimately extend the existing Stoughton Line commuter rail service
south to Fall River and New Bedford using the out-of-service Stoughton Line from Stoughton to
Taunton, the New Bedford Main Line from Taunton to New Bedford, and the Fall River Secondary from
Myricks Junction (Berkley) to Fall River. Both the New Bedford and Fall River lines are active freight
railroads.
As described in the previous MEPA filings, the Project will provide electric commuter rail service, with
stops at the reconstructed Canton Center Station and the relocated Stoughton Station as well as
ten new stations (North Easton, Easton Village, Raynham Place, Taunton, Taunton Depot, Freetown,
Fall River Depot, Battleship Cove, Kings Highway, and Whale’s Tooth). Two new overnight layover
facilities will be constructed (Weaver’s Cove in Fall River and Wamsutta in New Bedford). The Project
will use 15.5 miles of the existing Northeast Corridor infrastructure between Boston and Canton
Junction; improve 3.8 miles of existing track from Canton Junction to Stoughton; restore track
infrastructure on the 16.4-mile Stoughton Line between Stoughton and Taunton; reconstruct 20 miles
of the New Bedford Line from Taunton to New Bedford; and reconstruct 12.3 miles of the Fall River
Line between Berkley and Fall River. The Project will add a second track and passing sidings where

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